Fashion Inspiration Friday - Ashley Benson.

In honour of her Company Magazine cover and recent collaboration with H&M , my choice for this week's 'Fashion Inspiration' had to be Ashley Benson. As the star of one of television's most fashionable shows, 'Pretty Little Liars', Ashley also emulates her character's flawless style in her everyday life. The ABC hit show has inspired countless fashion blogs (I even followed this one in my Tumblr days) and has even gained 'Sex and the City'/ 'Gossip Girl' status in how its characters are styled to perfection. When I first got into 'Pretty Little Liars', I was obsessed with the four central character's style. Since then I've realised that I could never wear Hanna/Aria-style high heels all day and I've come to terms with it. Ashley Benson's street style, however, is much more achievable.

                                            
I love how Ashley contrasts her very feminine, LA-girl features with her more edgy fashion taste. When looking for images for this post, Google provided me thousands upon thousands of papparazzi photos of Benson picking up her morning coffee in a uniform of jeans, chunky boots, and a leather jacket. She's a girl after my own heart. My favourite image of her street style, however, was this cute combination of an oversized cardigan over a plain white T-shirt and acid-washed jeans. I love the way she's added a sweet understated feminine touch through her simple jewellery and headband. I'm lusting after those tan boots. Funnily enough, there are a similar pair available in her 'H&M' range. By looking at Benson's own personal style in closer detail, you can really see how she's inspired this new collection for 'H&M'. As Ashley herself says, she loves 'high-waisted skirts, skinny jeans, and loose tops' which form a significant part of the range. This collection is young and playful with a stylish edge. It's based around contrasts - whether its in a pop of colour or a combination of loose fitting jersey and figure-hugging mini skirts.

                               

However, Benson takes her red-carpet fashion very seriously and adopts a very different look altogether. She goes for sophistication and minimalistic style to perhaps widen her fashion credentials. Whereas some of her co-stars go for more flirty, younger looks, Ashley never fails to look glamourous and much older than her 24 years - in a good way! Here she is (above left) at the 'Pretty Little Liars' 100th episode soiree looking every ounce the internet fashion sensation that she is. The angular design of the dress adds a bit more interest to an otherwise simple LWD. Ashley has taken a classic look and given it a modern twist. 

I usually try and hold off buying 'Company' magazine until I'm finished with my monthly 'Vogue' but when I saw the cover, I went straight out to buy it. I've included their cover in this post because it really captures the essence of Ashley's style - a traditional floral jumpsuit rocked up with a statement necklace. Ashley Benson combines classic style with a youthful edge and this is why she has become well-loved for her flawless fashion sense. She's not afraid to be playful or experiment with her style and I think this what a lot of people admire her for. Her 'Pretty Little Liars' character, Hanna Marin, opts for lots of bright colours, bodycon dresses and skirts, and super high heels. Although Ashley has a say in her PLL wardrobe, her off-duty style is a lot more understated - which I definitely prefer. I love her casual, almost 'rock-chick' fashion sense. No wonder she's such an internet fashion sensation, she deserves every ounce of her style success.  

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